GEOGRAPHY COURSE OUTLINE: Geography 597.23 International Field
Work In Geography Spring/Summer 2016
H(3-0) Area II
Instructor: Aaron Williams
Telephone:
Office: ES 456
Email: awill@ucalgary.ca
Official Course Description:
Field research and reconnaissance survey of techniques applied to regions outside North
America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT.
Prerequisite:
Consent of the Department
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Purpose of Geog 597.23
To instil observation and critical thinking skills and methods for international fieldwork.
Objective
To provide multiple views and topics related to international fieldwork and research. The
objective will be facilitated by providing numerous themes, topics, locations, and guest
speakers relating to the international academic experience.
Course Content
Course Modules:
1) Lectures and case studies on important subject matter and concepts for 2016
Geography Field schools.
Based on required readings and/or pre-session lectures.
2) Introduction to critical observation and interpretation of human and physical
landscapes.
Academic skills essential for research, coursework and conducting fieldwork in a foreign
environment. Site specific examples from select destinations on Geography field school
program for 2016.
3) Travelling, Working, Researching: Cultural Interaction in Overseas Settings
Geographic analyses and overviews of selected cultural realms: understanding
worldviews, perceptions, misunderstandings, customs, and traditions; demographic,
socio-economic and political change; flashpoints and disparities; environmental, social,
and development issues; cultural sensitivity. Examples from numerous culture realms.
Guest speaker from the Department of Geography.
4) Conducting Geographical Field Work Abroad.
Qualitative and quantitative fieldwork methods and techniques in human and physical geography.
Emphasis on methods which can be utilized while in international field settings.
5) The Impacts of International Tourism on Cultural and Physical Landscapes.
Fragile ecosystems and environments: natural reserves and parks, wildlife reserves,
and endangered plant and animal species. Impacts of tourism: economics,
development, heritage sites, sustainability. A focus on the balance between the
economic benefits, social and cultural effects, and the impacts on the environment.
Two assignments will be assigned for the course. Topics from selected regions will include the following:
environmental degradation, land use, housing, landscape change, and the impact of tourism
Grading (Weighting)
40% …………………….
2 assignments.
30% …………………….
Mid-Session Examination. Based on lecture material, required readings,
and guest speakers.
30% …………………….
Final Examination. Based on lecture material, required readings, and
guest speakers.
It not essential to pass all elements to pass the course. Final exam in class.
Blackboard: http://blackboard.ucalgary.ca/
Required Texts NA.
References/Possible texts/Readings:
Butler, D.R. ,Wilkerson, F.D. 2000. Comments: In Praise of Off-Season Field Trips, Journal of Geography
99: 6-42.
Delyser, D., Starrs, P.F. 2001.Doing Fieldwork: Editor's Introduction, Geographical Review 91: 4-9.
Hart, J.F. 1968. The Undergraduate Field Course: Field Training in Geography. Washington, D.C.
Association of American Geographers, Commission on College Geography Teaching, Paper No, 1, 2904.
Jenkins, A. 1994. Thirteen Ways of Doing Field Work with Large Classes, Journal of Geography in Higher
Education 18: 143-154.
Jones, P.A. (1969) Field Work in Geography, London: Longman's Green and Co. Ltd.
Lounsbury, J.F., Aldrich, F.T. (1979) Introduction to Geographic Field Methods and Techniques,
Columbus: Charles F. Merrill Publishing Company.
Mayborn, K.R., Lesher, C.E. 2000. Teaching the Scientific Method Using Contemporary Research Topics
as the Basis for Student-defined Projects, Journal of Geoscience Education 48: 145-149.
Parsons, J.J. 1977., Geography as Exploration and Discovery. Annals of the Association of American
Geographers 67(1): 1-16.
Northon, C. 2001. Geography Undercover. Geographical Review, Vol, 91 Issue 1/2.
Platt, R.S. (1959) Field Work in American Geography, Chicago: University of Chicago.
Shoemaker, M.W. 2000. Russia, Eurasian States, and Eastern Europe. Harpers Ferry: Stryker-Post
Publications.
Robertson, I., Richards, P. 2003. Studying Cultural Landscapes London: Hodder Arnold Publishers.
Rundstrom, R.A., Kenzer, M.S/. 1989. The Decline of Field Work in Human Geography, Professional
Geographer 41(3): 294-303.
Grading System:
A+
4.00
A
Outstanding performance
4.00
Excellent-superior performance, showing comprehensive
understanding of subject
A-
3.70
B+
3.30
B
3.00
Good - clearly above average performance
BC+
C
2.70
2.30
2.00
Satisfactory performance – basic understanding of the subject
C-
1.70
D+
D
1.30
1.00
Minimal Pass-marginal performance
F
0
Fail - - poor performance
For additional detailed course information posted by the Instructor on D2L
Writing across the Curriculum
Writing skills are not exclusive to English courses and, in fact, should cross all disciplines. The
University supports the belief that throughout their University careers, students should be taught
how to write well so that when they graduate their writing abilities will be far above the minimal
standards required at entrance. Consistent with this belief, students are expected to do a
substantial amount of writing in their University courses and, where appropriate, members of
faculty can and should use writing and the grading thereof as a factor in the evaluation of
student work. The services provided by the Writing Centre in the Effective Writing Office can be
utilized by all undergraduate and graduate students who feel they require further assistance.
Principles of Conduct
The University of Calgary Calendar includes a statement on the Principles of conduct expected
of all members of the University community (including students, faculty, administrators, any
category of staff, practicum supervisors and volunteers) whether on or off the University’s
property. This statement applies in all situations where the members of the University
community are acting in their University capacities. All Members of the University Community
have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with this statement which is available at:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/j-2.html
Plagiarism
Academic dishonesty is not an acceptable activity at the University of Calgary and students are
strongly advised to read the Student Misconduct section in the University Calendar. Quite
often, students are unaware of what constitutes academic dishonesty or plagiarism. The most
common are 1) presenting another student’s work as your own 2) presenting an author’s work
or ideas as your own without proper referencing and 3) using work completed for another
course. This activity will not be tolerated in this course and students conducting themselves in
this manner will be dealt with according to the procedures outlined in the calendar.
Disability Resource Centre Accommodations
If you are a student with a documented disability who may require academic accommodation
and have not registered with the Disability Resource Centre, please contact their office at 2208237. Students who have not registered with the Disability Resource Centre are not eligible for
formal academic accommodation. You are also required to discuss your needs with your
instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of this course.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
FOIP: The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) legislation disallows the
practice of having students retrieve assignments from a public place, e.g., outside instructor’s
office, the department office, etc. Term assignments will be returned to students individually,
during class or during the instructor’s office hours; if students are unable to pick up their
assignments from the instructor, they provide the instructor with a stamped, self-addressed
envelope to be used for the return of the assignment.
Re: Posting of Grades and Picking-up of Assignments


All assignments will be handles on D2L
Their own grades will be available to each student on d2L by password access. Grades will
not be available at Geography’s main office.
Faculty of Arts Program Advising and Student Information Resources
 Have a question, but not sure where to start? The new Faculty of Arts Program Information
Centre (PIC) is your information resource for everything in Arts! Drop in at SS110, call us at
403-220-3580 or email us at artsads@ucalgary.ca. You can also visit the Faculty of Arts
website at http://arts.ucalgary.ca/undergraduate which has detailed information on common
academic concerns.
 For program planning and advice, contact the Student Success Centre (formerly the
Undergraduate programs Office) at (403) 220-5881 or visit them in their new space on the 3rd
Floor of the Taylor Family Digital Library.
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contact Enrolment Services at (403) 210-ROCK [7625] or visit them at the MacKimmie
Library Block.
Contact for Students Union Representatives for the Faculty of Arts:
arts1@su.ucalgary.ca, arts2@su.ucalgary.ca, arts3@su.ucalgary.ca, arts4@su.ucalgary.ca
Re: Posting of Grades and Picking-up of Assignments


All assignments will be handled through D2L or personally.
Their own grades will be available to each student on D2L by password access. Grades will
not be available at Geography’s main office.